How can we get rid of the "poop monster" in our toilet?

I have a three year old grandson whose mother let him watch the movie dogma--now he is having night terrors and will not use the toilet because he is afraid the poop monster is going to get him We had no idea this was going to affect him in this way but now how can I get him out of this and back to using the potty--the hardest part of this is that there is absolutely no male influence in our home to use for backup. Any advice would be wonderful thank you

Wow. What a problem! Bad Mommy! As a grandparent, I'm not sure how much you'll be able to help because this kind of problem needs TONS of consistency for it to be fixed. Since I assume he lives with his parents, it will be hard to imagine you can makes leaps and bounds with progress here. But I think I can help.

I had a similar problem with my son when he saw 'It' at the neighbors house and wouldn't go near the shower drain. It made bathtime a real issue for a long time. What you have to do is start associating the bathroom with good things and verbally discract him to keep his mind off of it. Have him watch you clean out the toilet while you sing a funny song or tell a funny story, so he gets comfortable. Maybe start out getting him a kid's potty that he poops in. One that can go on the floor, away from the toilet. Then you tell him you will buy him the kid's potty as long as he pours the poop and pee in the toilet, flushes it, and keeps the potty clean. Tell him you will help him until he learns how.

You're not going to be able to prove there is no poop monster. He now officially believes in that poop monster, hook, line, and sinker. So see what he *will* do. If you can't or don't want to do that kid potty idea, then maybe he will go poop on the toilet if you are in there with him, holding his hand. SIng a song, tell a story, read a book. You have to get his mind off of it. Then, as he gets used to it, maybe try doing your hair or other things in the bathroom gradually while he is going. Then try taking moving closer and closer to the door as time goes by, get him comfortable with it again. Then step out of the room quickly and come right back.

Don't upset him by gettin angry, that will just compound his fears. Just be supportive and understand that this kid believes this monster is real and will hurt him. That's terrifying! Good luck!

Dear cinnic,
There are several ways to deal with this...on of course is to get poop monster potion and to make a big deal out of killing the monster with the potion, some magic words and a schedule to see if the monster is gone. Another is to have him come into the bathroom while the adults are in there...during teeth brushing, washing hands, etc. Exposing him to the room as much as possible. If he sees you being comfortable in there he may slowly become less and less fearful. Also start by rewarding him for each time he enters the bathroom...you can choose the rewards making sure they cheap but colourful little gifts. Continue till he gets more comfortable. If it turns to a huge deal where he won't poop at all out of fear then bringing home an elaberate gift for using toilet may be a way at least to get him on the toilet and that would be 1/2 the battle.
Sue...good luck

GET A WARTER GUN FOR HIM AND MAKE HIM SHOOT IT IN THE TOILET THEN FLUSH THE CHAIN AND SAY THE 'POOP MONSTER' HAS GONE